First OK fellows no laughing now. I'm not an engine expert by any means. This engine is a 383 Stroker that was in the car when I purchased it. I took the valve covers off to replace the gaskets and I was a little surprised to see this setup. Can anyone tell me what this setup is. I don't know that I have seen one quite like this. The gaskets that came off were about 5/16 of an inch thick. I replaced them with Fel-Pro PermaDryPlus VS12869 T . Everything seems to be ok but the Valve covers seem to be very close to hitting that bar across the valve train. Any suggestions?
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f61/redvetteharley/DSCN0853.jpghttp://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f61/redvetteharley/DSCN0852.jpghttp://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f61/redvetteharley/DSCN0846.jpg

Those are stud girdles. Basically used when high valve spring pressures are used. It helps prevent rocker arm stud flexing.

The guy who suposely built the engine was an engine builder for Grand national race cars. So the story goes.LOL Thanks

Mr Gasket sells a 1/4" Gasket that should help in the clearance department.

If those thick valve cover gaskets are Blue they are probably Moroso thick steel reinforced valve cover gaskets and are reuseable. Looks like your heads are attached with studs and the valve springs appear to be Big Block diameter 1.55" HD springs, you probably also have 7/16th inch screw in studs instead of the 3/8th press in studs as well (look for a hex nut at the base of the rocker arm stud).


Larger Dave